Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under scrutiny following her absence abroad during a catastrophic wildfire event that began ravaging the city on Tuesday night. While attending the inauguration of Ghana’s new president as part of a U.S. delegation, Bass’s decision to be out of the country has led to criticism regarding her leadership during this emergency, which has resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and the displacement of residents.
Upon her return to Los Angeles on Wednesday afternoon, amidst the escalating fires, Bass faced backlash from critics, including notable figures like tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk labeled her as “utterly incompetent” and echoed sentiments suggesting her appointment was politically motivated. Former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso also condemned her absence, asserting that it contributed to delays in addressing the crisis.
In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Bass defended her actions, stating she remained in communication with fire teams and key officials while away. She highlighted her efforts to return swiftly and insisted that her engagement with city officials continued throughout her travels. “This is going to be an effort of all of us coming together, and we have to resist any effort to pull us apart,” Bass noted, emphasizing a united response to the crisis.
The wildfires, which originated in the Palisades area, have spread over 17,200 acres, marking the most destructive event of its kind in the city’s history. Tragedy struck with at least five reported fatalities as of Thursday morning, and over 100,000 residents faced mandatory evacuation orders.
Controversy also arose regarding the city’s preparedness for such disasters. Some individuals, including the Los Angeles Times’ owner, criticized Bass for budget cuts to the fire department before the outbreak. However, reports indicated that the fire department’s budget had actually been increased by over $50 million compared to the previous fiscal year, with funds set aside during contract negotiations.
Bass, who took office as mayor in December 2022, is the first woman to hold this position in Los Angeles. Having served multiple terms in Congress, she is well-regarded within Democratic circles and has faced opposition from conservative factions.
In summary, while Mayor Bass’s presence during a critical moment was questioned, her commitment to communication and collaboration is aimed at rallying support for recovery efforts. The situation underscores the importance of leadership and preparedness in the face of natural disasters, and it is hoped that this event will yield lessons for future safety measures and political accountability in Los Angeles.